The National VOAD Conference is the pinnacle event annually for the VOAD Movement. This event provides a forum for State/Territory VOADs to communicate and collaborate with other VOADs, as well as national disaster response non-profits, government agencies, and partners from the business community. The National VOAD Conference is held annually in the Spring at rotating locations across the U.S., where the voluntary sector gathers to hear from engaging keynote speakers, attend workshops on a variety of topics, and participate in numerous networking opportunities that strengthen the capacity and capabilities of State/Territory VOADs. Please join us at the next National VOAD Conference!Â
2024 National VOAD Conference Highlights
Our Colorado VOAD Executive Team along with several of our COVOAD members and partners, joined disaster management agencies and other VOAD leaders from across the nation for the 2024 National VOAD Conference this past May in Phoenix, AZ. We were able to attend impactful sessions learning from disaster management experts from across the nation and networking opportunities making vital connections to improve impact and collaboration!
It was a truly impactful conference with incredible humans who took their time to share their knowledge and expertise to better United In Service to help our communities before, during, and after disasters.
Additional photos, highlights, and stories below! Enjoy!
(Ian Anderson, COVOAD Vice-Chair, National VOAD Board Member, & Director for Salvation Army on the big stage at NVOAD kicking off the first morning session on day 1 of the conference.)
(Ian Anderson, COVOAD Vice-Chair, National VOAD Board Member, & Director for Salvation Army moderating the welcome and intro session for new conference attendees.) 
(April Lipinski, Mass Care Lead, FEMA R8 participated in a panel discussion focused on new immigrant migration where we learned more about the definitions of various terms, level set on current national processes, and worked together to help attendees understand more around the challenges, barriers, and response efforts occurring across the nation.)
(David Guadelupe, Chairperson for Puerto Rico Longterm Recovery Foundation, President of St. John’s Lutheran University, and National VOAD Board Member & Committee Chairperson implemented the Executive Committee for the new Migration, Displacement, Refugee Committee. Zach Wolgemuth of Church World Service became committee Chair, with George Hernandez Mejia of CORE supporting the Vice-Chair role, and Kasey Harlos of Mile High United Way & COVOAD as the Secretary.)
(Many sessions and opportunities to learn from responders and experts that supports response efforts and continue to support long term recovery efforts for the 2023 Maui Wildfires. Photos above are of a presentation led by Maui United Way’s Wildfire Emergency Assistance Program and the second photo is of Victor Leonardi receiving a National VOAD award for leading the Hawaii VOAD response efforts for Maui Wildfires.)
For more information on the National VOAD Conference, please visit www.nvoad.org/nvoadevents.